16th-century Portuguese Nau (南蛮船 European Ship)

3D Model

The Portuguese India naus developed from Mediterranean round ships, which were adapted to the Atlantic conditions. Naus gradually grew in size over the course of the 16th century, especially those engaged in the lucrative Asian trade. Most historians believe that the Portuguese used this type of ship in the trade with Japan. Naus were generally three-masted vessels with three or four decks their size varied from 300 to 600 tons burden; the word ‘nau’ means ‘vessel.’ Naus were called Nao in Spanish, Carrack in English, and Carraca in Italian.

This 3D model of Portuguese nau was originally created as the final project of ANTH610: Outfitting and Sailing the Wooden Ship, 1400-1900 (Nautical Archaeology Program). Dimensions and rigging arrangements of the model are based on historical references and archaeological data.